The Users Guide to Pool Safety Equipment
What is Pool Safety Equipment?
Pool safety equipment is anything that can be used to prevent or aid in the event of a drowning. This can range from the very basic to the essential. We hope that by the time you’re done reading this article, you’ll have a greater understanding of what exactly pool safety equipment is, why it’s needed and what options are available to you.
Why is Pool Safety Equipment Important?
Statistics published by the South African National Standards have shown that 33% of all drowning of children under the age of 5, happen in swimming pools. Swimming pool safety equipment can drastically reduce the risks and dangers normally associated with swimming pools, while at the same time, making the pool environment a much more enjoyable place for everyone.
Is having pool safety equipment mandatory by law?
An extract from article 10134 from The South African Bureau of Standards states:
“Every private swimming pool that can hold more than 30cm of water should be surrounded by a child-proof fence and also be fitted with a safety net or a solid safety cover to prevent children drowning. Such a net or cover must be fitted by an “accredited responsible party.”
What Pool Safety Equipment do we Recommend?
Swimming Pool Safety Net
What is a Swimming Pool Safety Net?
Swimming pool nets are essential safety barriers that prevent children and pets from falling into your swimming pool. They’re easy to use, and a relatively low-cost solution with a proven track record of saving the lives of children.
What are the Pros and Cons of a Pool Safety Net?
Swimming Pool Safety Cover
What is a Swimming Pool Safety Cover?
A Solid Safety Pool Covers is a multi-functional solution to a wide range of different pool related problems. It’s a means to secure your pool, keep your pool cleaner for longer by creating a barrier for leaves and debris, stop water evaporation and reduce chemical use. All while being simple and easy to fit and remove the cover.
What are the Pros and Cons of a Pool Safety Cover?
What are the recommended standards for a Pool Safety Cover?
When closed, the safety cover does not allow any object measuring 114mm in diameter to be forced under the cover/gain access to the water.
The cover’s fastenings / securing points must not be workable by a small child.
The cover must have a tensioning / locking system.
The cover must bear the weight of 220kg.
No water should pool on top of the cover. After rainfall or if garden sprinklers are used, the water must drain off unaided and the cover must be dry within 5 minutes.
The safety cover must be installed by an accredited/trained industry supplier.
The cover should form a complete barrier over the water.
Pool Safety Fence
What is a Pool Safety Fence?
A pool safety fence is specifically designed as a swimming pool barrier to help protect children from exposed open water by adding a layer of protection around the swimming pool.
What are the Pros and Cons of a Pool Safety Fence?
What are the recommended standards for a Pool Safety Fence?
The fence must be a minimum of 1.2m tall.
The fence must be sunk into the ground at least 50cm deep.
The fence must be free-standing and have no climbing aids nearby.
The gate must have a firm locking mechanism which is difficult for children to open.
What other Pool Safety Equipment would we Recommend every pool should have?
Shepherd’s Crook or Reaching Pole
This can be used to reach out to and pull in distressed swimmers while keeping the rescue out of harm's way.
Rescue tube
These can be tossed to a swimmer in distress to help them stay afloat while they are being rescued.
First Aid Kit
Whether it’s a stubbed toe or something more serious, being prepared makes all the difference. With a first aid kit nearby, you always are.
If you have any questions about Pool Safety Equipment or would like us to provide a quote, you can contact us by filling in a contact form or by calling 021 154 0154